Minimum requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree (B.A.) or higher, preferably in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Facilities Management, or a related field.
  
• Experience: Minimum 3-5 years of proven experience in lodge management, field site management, or similar hospitality/facilities roles in Kenya, ideally within a conservation, educational, or eco-tourism setting.
  

Technical Skills:

• Basic electrical knowledge: Ability to safely troubleshoot and resolve common issues (tripped breakers, faulty switches, lighting).
  
• Plumbing skills: Ability to repair pipe breakages, unblock drains, fix leaks, and maintain water systems.
  
• General handyman abilities: Competence with basic tools for carpentry, painting, and minor structural repairs.
  
• Solar system familiarity: Understanding of basic solar power components and ability to monitor performance and perform routine maintenance.
  
• Location & Lifestyle: Willingness and ability to live on-site in a remote conservation area.
  
• Operational Expertise: Strong understanding of facilities maintenance, hospitality operations, and infrastructure systems (solar, water, plumbing, internet).
  
• Team Leadership: Proven experience managing and motivating teams, with a collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
  
• Guest Service: Genuine commitment to delivering exceptional quality and care in all guest interactions.
  
• Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, capable of engaging respectfully with diverse partners, including local communities, trainees, donors, and team members.
  
• Organisation: Extremely organised with strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
  

Responsibilities:

Facilities & Infrastructure Management (with Hands-On Technical Focus)

Basic Technical Repairs

• Electrical Systems: Troubleshoot and resolve basic electrical issues (e.g., tripped breakers, faulty outlets, lighting problems). Identify issues requiring a licensed electrician and escalate appropriately.
  
• Plumbing & Water Systems: Diagnose and repair pipe breakages, leaky taps, blocked drains, and toilet malfunctions. Maintain water pumps, tanks, and rainwater harvesting systems.
  
• General Handyman Duties: Perform minor carpentry, painting, and structural repairs as needed to maintain buildings and guest facilities.
  

Critical Systems Oversight:

• Ensure reliable operation of solar power systems, monitoring performance and performing basic maintenance (e.g., cleaning panels, checking batteries).
  
• Maintain internet and IT infrastructure in coordination with the IT Support Officer, troubleshooting basic connectivity issues.
  
• Establish and implement preventive maintenance schedules for all systems and equipment.
  

Vehicle Fleet Management:

• Oversee NATURAL STATE vehicles based at the Centre, ensuring regular cleaning, logbook maintenance, and prompt reporting of issues.
  
• Coordinate with central Operations on major maintenance, insurance renewals, and annual services.
  

Grounds & Building Maintenance:

• Oversee all maintenance of buildings, grounds, and equipment. Ensure the site is safe, functional, clean, and professionally presented at all times.
  
• Supervise the gardener and cleaners to maintain high standards of presentation.
  

Guest & Hospitality Management

• Seamless Guest Experience: Oversee all aspects of the guest experience for trainees, researchers, donors, and visitors, ensuring their needs are met with professionalism, warmth, and cultural sensitivity.
  
• Hospitality Operations: Manage hospitality-related stock (food, supplies, linens), implement stock-keeping systems, and oversee dietary requirements, sleeping arrangements, and laundry services.
  
• Guest Calendar & Coordination: Maintain a guest calendar and coordinate closely with Centre staff and program teams to ensure smooth scheduling and delivery of courses and events.
  
• Financial Administration: Facilitate the issuance of invoices to paying guests and collect payments as needed, following established procedures.
  

Team Leadership & Management

• Site Team Management: Directly manage and mentor the site team, fostering an inclusive, caring, and high-performance work environment. Positions include:
  
• Research Centre Officer
  
• Cook and Assistant Cook
  
• IT Support Officer
  
• Cleaners
  
• Gardener
  
• Night Guard
  
• Site Maintenance Fixer
  
• Scheduling & Coverage: Ensure appropriate staffing coverage at all times, including coverage for leave and illness.
  
• Performance & Development: Conduct regular check-ins, performance reviews, and identify training needs for site staff.
  

Policy Implementation & Compliance

• Operational Policies: Implement and uphold the Centre's maintenance, guest management, and operational policies and processes.
  
• Health & Safety: Ensure all health, safety, and security protocols are followed, conducting regular checks and staff briefings.
  
• Insurance & Compliance: Maintain required insurance policies for the Centre and ensure all activities comply with relevant regulations and NATURAL STATE policies.